Go To The Folder Mac Library
In this article, we look at how to access the System folder and also, what you can modify within System Preferences, which is not hidden and contains some valuable tools and ways to make changes within your Mac.
- Create New Folder Mac
- Recents Folder Mac Delete
- Go To The Folder Mac Library Application
- Mac Folder Compare
- Folder Marker Missing
How to access the System folder
Apple prefers to hide folders that could be at risk from viruses and cyber attacks. Not only that, but if an inexperienced Mac user were to make a mistake — or delete something important — native or downloaded (third-party) applications could stop working. It is therefore safer if certain folders, such as the Library and/or System folder remains hidden.
Create New Folder Mac
2020-4-5 Fortunately, this is easy to reverse and if you wish you can switch the behavior and instead show Library all the time with a quick terminal command. This tutorial will detail four different ways to access the User Library folder in Mac OS X from Mt Lion and beyond. 2020-4-3 Or you might be customising your Mac, which will need access to certain library folders. Here is how to get there and not cause your Mac to collapse in a cloud of dust in the process. What Is The Library Folder On MacOS? The library folder is the area of.
2020-4-6 Before going ahead with the steps to Access the Hidden Library Folder on your Mac, you need to be aware that /Library Folder contains important Data and Files related to Mac User Accounts. Hence, make sure that you are accessing the Library Folder for a good reason and you do know as to what you are trying to achieve. 2020-3-31 So, that was a nice way of accessing the Library folder as all it needed was a press on the Shift key and you were ready to go. Unhiding the Library Folder Permanently on Your Mac. While the method above lets you access the Library folder for your user account, the option for the folder will go away as soon as let go of the Shift key.
However, there are times when you need to access these folders. Maybe an app is misbehaving, so one way to solve this problem is to “Delete the application's plist”, which is only possible with access to the System folder or Library. Within these folders, you benefit from complete control and can modify settings or clear out cache files.
Access the System folder using Terminal
However, if you would prefer doing this the manual way, here is how you can access the System folder:
- Launch Terminal; which you can find in /Applications/Utilities
- Enter this command in Terminal:
chflags nohidden ~/System
- (If nothing shows up under that name, try /Library as an alternative)
- Click Return. Make sure the command is executed.
- Quit Terminal. The System folder should be visible in the Finder.
- If you ever want to restore this to how it was before enter the following command in Terminal:
chflags hidden ~/System
- Click Return again and it should be back to how it was.
How to see Mac system files in Finder
Only attempt this method if you are comfortable using Terminal and have used it before. This method will make the folder permanently visible, so if you’d prefer it was only temporary, there is another way - for those using using Mac OS X (or macOS) Mavericks and later.
- Open a Finder window and go to your Home folder.
- Within the Finder menu, click View > Show View Options.
- Place a checkmark next to Show System or Library Folder.
And that should give you quick temporary access to the System folder. Although you may need to do that again after you've accessed it as Apple prefers to keep this hidden.
Pro Tip: If you’ve previously used iPhoto — but are now using Photos on your Mac — you could have duplicate iPhoto libraries. You could be amazed how much space you could save.
How to access System Preferences?
Now, if you aren't looking for complete control of the apps on your Mac, there is another way to modify how everything operates.
- Go to the Apple Menu.
- Find System Preferences. Or you can access this through Siri, Finder or the Applications Folder.
- Within System Preferences you can make a wide range of top-level system changes without needing to access anything hidden through Terminal or the Finder.
With this level of behind-the-scenes access, you can make improvements to the performance of your Mac. Delete apps that take up too much space. Customize how your macOS looks. If your Mac isn’t performing as well as you would like, gaining access to System and Library folders is one of the best ways to regain the speed and efficiency you once enjoyed.
Despite Apple’s assurances, now is a great time to manually back up your iTunes library., but key detail is that you’ll first need to download all the purchased content that you want to back up. Where is itunes library music store on mac. The iTunes Music Store will also live on inside the Music app, giving you the option to purchase your music instead of subscribing to a streaming service.
Two more tricks to unlock Mac system folders
There's a special keyboard shortcut that displays the protected folders in Finder. All you need to do is to press:
Shift + Command + Period character
Recents Folder Mac Delete
This immediately reveals the semi-transparent folders that are normally restricted for access. Repeat the combination to undo the operation.
Go To The Folder Mac Library Application
View Mac System folder with CleanMyMac X
Mac Folder Compare
Another way to unlock the hidden space is to download the tool, I often recommend, CleanMyMac X. It has the so-called Space Lens feature that builds the interactive map of your storage. You will see lots of folders you rarely get to visit, like Movies, Application cache etc.
Download the app's free edition here.
Now you can explore the space 'bubbles', zoom on hidden files and folders, and delete them right on the spot. A good way to free up space when you need it. Here is the System Folder as viewed from the Space Lens:
Folder Marker Missing
Now you know everything about finding the System folder on a Mac. Hope you'll find this article helpful.